Alcoholism Blog

 •  Hasselhoff's Ex-Wife Speaks Out
     "He has a disease."
 •  Pair Charged in LaBeouf Crash
     Lied to law enforcement.
 •  Kids Think Parents Did Drugs
     According to new survey.
 •  Man Freed After Powder Tested
     It wasn't cocaine.
 •  Official Arrested for Drunk Driving
     Vehicle tires were shredded.
 •  School Bus Driver Drunk
     Passed out behind the wheel.

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Alcohol and drug use can progress into abuse and even addiction so insidiously that sometimes people do not realize that it has become a problem for them and those around them. The following self-assessment tests can help you determine whether or not it may be time to get help.

• Alcohol Abuse Screening Quiz
  
• Drug Abuse Screening Quiz
  
• Could You Be Depressed?
  
• Is Your Child Using Drugs or Alcohol?
  

Questions for Families:

• Are You Troubled by Someone's Drinking?
  
• Are You Enabling an Alcoholic or Addict?
  
• Did You Grow Up With a Problem Drinker?
  
• Domestic Abuse Screening Quiz
  
• Adult Child Screening Quiz
  

Passive aggressive behavior is a form of covert abuse. Unlike physical abuse or even verbal abuse, covert abuse is much more subtle, veiled or disguised by actions that appear to be normal. According to About.com Divorce Support Guide Cathy Meyer, the passive aggressive person is a master at covert abuse, but when confronted with their behavior can be sincerely surprised that they have been driving everyone around them nuts.

Like alcoholics, passive aggressive personalities are usually attracted to codependents. Read more...

Casual smokers, defined at those who are not daily smokers, are less likely to drink alcohol daily, but are significantly more likely to engage in hazardous drinking and develop alcohol use disorders. A study of 5,838 young adults revealed that nondaily smokers were 16 times more likely to engage in hazardous drinking that daily smokers. Read more...

Related Information:

• Smoking an Indicator of Alcohol Misuse?
  
• Alcohol and Quitting Smoking
  
• Smoking More Harmful for Recovering Alcoholics

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A four-year study of 200 college students found that those who drink heavily and started drinking at an early age demonstrate poor decision-making skills, just like long-term, chronic alcoholics. Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia believe early onset binge drinking negatively affects psychological development. Read more...

According to members of Alcoholics Anonymous, the twelve steps do not help someone quit drinking, they help someone who has quit stay sober. One member explains in our Alcoholism / Substance Abuse Forum how the twelve steps helped her learn to live her life. Read more...

More Information:

• What Is Substance Abuse?
  
• Are You Addicted?
  
• How to Quit Alcohol and Drugs

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British researchers have studied the social and psychological characteristics of drinkers who regularly consume twice the recommended amount of alcohol and have identified nine types of heavy drinkers. The U.K. Department of Health hopes to use the information to target public health campaigns at those who are drinking at risky levels.

According to the British National Health Service, alcohol-related illnesses cost the government about $5 billion a year in healthcare expenses. Read more...

When someone repeatedly tries to quit drinking alcohol, but finds that he cannot simply stop, that is usually considered a good sign that their drinking has reached the level of alcohol dependence. A visitor to our Alcoholism / Substance Abuse Forum describes what it's like to want to quit but just not being able to do so on your own. Read more...

More Recovery Stories:

• Cheryl G.'s Story
  
• Katy's Recovery Story
  
• Jill C's Story
  
• Submit Your Story

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The danger of an accidental overdose of sedatives is extremely high because the difference between a therapeutic dose and a potentially lethal one is relatively small. When you mix alcohol with tranquilizers or sleeping pills, the risk of overdose increases significantly. What are the symptoms of an overdose? How are overdoses treated? Read more...

Related Information:

• Methadone Can Kill Even at Therapeutic Levels
  
• FDA Issues Health Advisory for Methadone
  
• Madline J's Recovery Story

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"I was 37 when I truly fell in love. I married him and later figured out that I hated him, but loved the crack that he introduced me to. I divorced him and would continue my love affair with crack cocaine for the next five years," writes Pam R. about her introduction to addiction.

More Recovery Stories:

• Richard T's Story
  
• Mary S's Story
  
• Submit Your Recovery Story

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